36 Int. J. Microstructure and Materials Properties, Vol. 15, No.

1, 2020

Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state and

compressive strength properties of self-compacting
concrete

Iftekar Gull* and M.A. Tantray

Department of Civil Engineering,
National Institute of Technology,
Srinagar, 190006, India
Email: iftikhar_38phd15@nitsri.net
Email: manzoor3000@yahoo.com
*Corresponding author

Abstract: This study highlights the fresh state flow properties and hardened
state compressive strength properties of short carbon fibre reinforced
selfcompacting concrete. 15 mixes with varying W/C ratio, cement content, and
the percentage of carbon fibres were investigated. The impact of the variations
on the self-compacting concrete was analysed by comparing the mixes to the
control mix. The present study investigations revealed a decrease in filling and
passing ability of CFRSCC with the addition of higher percentages of carbon
fibres while the addition of carbon fibre at lower percentage exhibits
improvement in the filling, passing and segregation resistance properties. It was
also observed that with the inclusion of short carbon fibres, the compressive
strength was significantly improved. The microstructure of the CFRSCC with
different percentages of Carbon fibre was also analysed and is presented in this
study.

Keywords: pitch-based short carbon fibres; self-compacting concrete; filling

ability; passing ability; segregation resistance; compressive strength; scanning
electron microscopy; regression analysis; carbon fibre failure mechanism.

Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Gull, I. and Tantray, M.A.
(2020) ‘Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state and compressive strength
properties of self-compacting concrete’, Int. J. Microstructure and Materials
Properties, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp.36–57.

Biographical notes: Iftekar Gull is a Senior Research Fellow in Department of

Civil Engineering at NIT Srinagar, J&K, India. He received his Master’s
in Construction Engineering Management. He has worked in the field of
concrete composites and has many international publications in this regard.
He is currently working under the noble guidance of Dr. M.A. Tantray. His
field of interest is fibre-reinforced concrete and smart concrete – self-sensing
concrete.

M.A. Tantray is working as a Professor in Department of Civil Engineering

at NIT Srinagar, J&K, India. He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering
from IIT Roorkee. He has authored and co-authored several national and
international publications and also working as a reviewer for reputed
professional journals. He is having an active association with different societies
and academies around the world. He made his mark in the scientific community

Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 37

with the contributions and widely recognition from honourable subject

experts around the world. His major research interest involves fibre reinforced
concrete.

1 Introduction

The performance requirements in Reinforced concrete structures in the contemporary

scenario of high rise building constructions of the infrastructural industry has become
more complicated and diversified. Self-compacting (SCC) concrete serves to this need for
high performance in the infrastructural industry. SCC has the property to be placed and
consolidated under its own weight without any external vibrating efforts due
to its tremendous deformability (Caijun et al., 2015). The progression of SCC in the
infrastructural industry has been a benchmark to prevail over the limitations in the use of
normal concrete in diversified and new age constructional industry. Compared with
ordinary concrete, SCC includes great amounts of binder, superplasticiser, and/or
viscosity modifying admixtures (VMA) (Wan et al., 2018; EFNARC, 2005). The
incorporation of superplasticisers into cement or concrete mixes leads to the
improvement in workability and ultimate strength values (Guneyisi et al., 2013). But at
the very same time, it has a limitation that the mix becomes highly vulnerable to
segregation due to the non-cohesiveness of the fluidic mix. The conventional method of
improving the segregation resistance and stability of flowing SCC is to increase the fines
content by using a large amount of reactive or inert fillers. However, advancements in
SCC are moving towards the production of SCC with less amount of fines to the levels of
normal concrete (so as to reduce the potential for creep and shrinkage) and use viscosity
modifying agents (VMAs) to improve the stability (EFNARC, 2005). The SCC currently
available in the market is expensive due to higher prices of VMA and the high volume of
binder in the mixture, and a cost-effective product is desired to produce a competitive
concrete in the construction industry (Umar and Al-Tamimi, 2011). The investigation is,
therefore, necessary to explore the potential use of new and locally available low-cost
products in the development of SCC that effectively enhance the functionality of SCC
along with improved segregation resistance and would be more cost-efficient.

1.1 Carbon fibres in concrete

Fibres are used to reinforce concrete to improve its tensile strength and toughness and
reduce cracking. In the last 30 years, the use of fibres has increased in ready-mixed
concrete, pre-cast concrete, and shotcrete applications (Ragavendra et al., 2017; Agarwal
and Tiwari, 2017). Use of fibres in concrete has been in particular the subject of interest
for many researchers. Glass fibres (Ahmad et al., 2017), Steel fibres (Ahmad and Umar,
2018; Akcay and Tasdemir, 2012), cellulose fibres, polypropylene fibres (Aslani and
Samali, 2014), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres (Umar et al., 2016) have been investigated
extensively for improvement in the mechanical properties of SCC. Recent research
studies have indicated the use of electrically short discrete fibres in concrete for
improving the structural and non-structural properties of concrete. Electrically conductive
carbon fibres (CF) have been one of the most successful smart materials to be used in
different types of concrete for improving its structural and non- structural properties.
38 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

The incorporation of micro-short carbon fibres in the concrete has lead to the
improvement of mechanical properties, impact strength, toughness, and reduction of
drying shrinkage of the carbon fibre induced concrete (Kizilkanat, 2016). Apart from
improving the structural functions, carbon fibres have also been used to improve the
non-structural properties of the concrete (Rana et al., 2016). Short carbon fibres induce
conductivity in concrete making the concrete conductive. The conductive concrete is
capable of sensing its own internal damages under loading at any location that can be
directly monitored by lane or remote sensing systems. The signals on processing can be
converted into stresses, strain, and detection of cracks in concrete members (Chung,
2012; Rana et al., 2016). Thus the use of carbon fibres in concrete is gaining importance
for its smart properties which have resulted in extensive studies on the behaviour of
carbon fibre-based concrete.
The integration of the smart behaviour of carbon fibres in the concrete is primarily
dependent on the dispersion of carbon fibres in the concrete viscous medium. Thereby the
properties of carbon fibre can be best employed by the Self-compacting concrete as SCC
is characterised in its fresh state by high flowability and rheological stability. SCC has
exceptional applicability for elements with complicated shapes and congested
reinforcement. Ferrara et al. (2007) studied the effect of fibres on the self-compacting
concrete and concludes that the incorporation of fibres into SCC acquires the benefit of
better workability in the fresh state to achieve more uniform dispersion of fibres, which is
critical for a wider and reliable structural use of fibre-reinforced cement composites.
The compactness of the SCC matrix, due to the higher amount of fine and extra-fine
particles, may also improve interface zone properties. Jena and Patel (2016) in his study
investigated the mechanical properties of carbon fibre-based SCC and concluded that
carbon fibre reinforced SCC (CFRSCC) exhibited the best performance when compared
to glass fibres reinforced SCC in a hardened state. Md. Safiuddin et al. (2018) concluded
that the inclusion of carbon fibres in self-compacting concrete affected the properties of
SCC both in the fresh and hardened state.

2 Experimental program

In particular, comprehensive research is needed to understand how the distribution of

short carbon fibres influences the rheological and mechanical properties of SCC. The
variation in the properties of the SCC by incorporation of carbon fibre becomes a state of
study for the researchers. It could also be vital to understand the failure mechanism of
carbon fibres in relation to the mechanical performance of SCC.
Here in an attempt has been made to prepare and study the behaviour of the Carbon
fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (CFRSCC) both in Bingham and hardened
state. This study highlights the influence of Carbon fibres on the fresh state flow
properties and hardened state compressive strength properties of CFRSCC. The
microstructure of the CFRSCC with various percentages of CF and the failure
mechanisms of the CFs in the SCC has also been studied and presented in this study. The
schematic model for the preparation of CFRSCC is illustrated in Figure 1.
In this study, Pitch based chopped micro Carbon fibres of 6 mm length seen in
Figure 2, were used in three SCC mixes with five varying percentages. The addition
of carbon fibre was facilitated by dispersing the carbon fibre in water along with the
Sodium Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid salt (surfactant). The surfactant paved the way for
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 39

dispersion of chopped short carbon fibres in the water by reducing the surface tension of
water and acted as a dispersant. The dispersion was further aided by the churning effect
of mechanical churner having a speed of 1440 RPM.

Figure 1 Schematic model for preparation of CFRSCC

Figure 2 Pitch-based carbon fibre (see online version for colours)

2.1 Materials
Ordinary Portland cement 43 grade conforming to IS 8112:2013, 10 mm coarse
aggregates and fine aggregates of zone III conforming to IS383: 2016 were used as the
basic ingredients of the concrete. Master polyheed 8101 based on modified
40 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

Polycarboxylic Ether (PCE) was used as a Superplasticiser (SP) to attain the target
workability in the concrete. The properties of the ingredients used in the preparation of
CFRSCC are tabulated in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 Properties of cement and aggregates

Cement Aggregates
Coarse aggregate Fine aggregate
Specific gravity 3.11 Specific gravity 2.6 2.72
Consistency 30% Water absorption 0.56 2.57
Initial setting time 144 min Fineness modulus 7.4 2.7
Final setting time 350 min Gradation – Zone III

Table 2 Properties of admixtures

Superplasticisers Carbon Fibres (GC-700T-PU6)

Type of SP PCE based Length of fibre 6 mm
Trade Name Master polyheed 8101 Carbon content 95%
Appearance and Form Cream Elongation % 1.75
Specific gravity 1.14–1.16 Tensile strength (MPa) 3500
PH-value 4–6 Tensile modulus (GPa) 230
Chloride ion content <0.01% Filament diameter (µm) 6
Alkali content (Na2O equivalent %) <3% Density (g/l) 350

2.2 Mixing proportion

Three mixes with each mix having five batches of varying CF percentages were prepared.
The dosage of SP was used in the range of 1.5–2% by weight of the cement and the range
for CFs used was 0–2% by the weight of cement. The CF dosages exceeding 2% lead to
the severe reduction of workability resulting in the loss of self-compacting property in
concrete. The primary objective for the selection of such parameters was to minimise the
negative effects of fibres on the flowing ability, i.e., filling ability and passing ability
(EFNARC, 2005) of concrete.
The composition of CFRSCC along with the water-cement ratio (W/C) is presented in
Table 3.

2.3 Mixing procedure

CFRSCC was prepared in a laboratory planetary mixer of 100 ltr maximum capacity.
For the optimum dispersion of the CFs in the SCC mix, one quarter of mixing water
was treated and blended with Sodium Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid salt using a
mechanical churner so as to obtain foam. The Carbon fibres were added to the foamed
water progressively with the mechanical churner continuously churning the treated water
so as to create a sonication effect. The sonication effect with the treated water agitated the
fibres and made the fibres to scatter in the water. The churning was continued until the
maximum scattering of CFs in the water took place.
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 41

Meanwhile, coarse aggregates with fine aggregates were charged and mixed together
by adding the second quarter of mixing water for the 60s. The binder was then added
followed by the third quarter of water and mixed for the 90s. The other left quarter of
mixing water was then blended with SP and was added to the mixture in the mixer and
the concrete mixture was mixed further for the 60s. The first quarter of water blended
with CF was then added to the concrete in the mixer gradually and the mixing was
allowed to take place for further 90s. The addition of CFs took place at the later stage of
mixing so that the fibres could get dispersed and distributed evenly in the concrete. The
aptitude to disperse the carbon fibres within the matrix is elementary for obtaining the
composite materials having enhanced properties and functionality.

Table 3 Details of mixture proportions per unit volume of concrete

Cement CA FA
Mix Batch (kg/m3) (kg/m3) (kg/m3) W/C ratio SP% CF%
CFRSCC 01 AC0 490 735 833 0.42 2.0% 0%
(1 : 1.5 : 1.7) AC0.5 490 735 833 0.42 2% 0.5%
AC1 490 735 833 0.42 2% 1%
AC1.5 490 735 833 0.42 2% 1.5%
AC2 490 735 833 0.42 2% 2%
CFRSCC 02 BC0 520 624 832 0.40 1.5% 0%
(1 : 1.2 : 1.7) BC0.5 520 624 832 0.40 1.5% 0.5%
BC1 520 624 832 0.40 1.5% 1%
BC1.5 520 624 832 0.40 1.5% 1.5%
BC2 520 624 832 0.40 1.5% 2%
CFRSCC 03 CC0 540 540 810 0.38 1.5% 0%
(1 : 1 : 1.5) CC0.5 540 540 810 0.38 1.5% 0.5%
CC1 540 540 810 0.38 1.5% 1%
CC1.5 540 540 810 0.38 1.5% 1.5%
CC2 540 540 810 0.38 1.5% 2%
Notation: CA = Coarse Aggregates, FA = Fine Aggregate, W/C = Water Cement Ratio,
SP = Super plasticiser, CF = Carbon Fibre.

2.4 Casting and curing

150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm cubic moulds were used to cast the specimen for
compressive strength test investigations. A board of 900 mm x 900 mm was used for
measuring the slump flow. V Funnel, L-box, and U-box were used to find the filling
ability and passing ability. Initially, several trial batches were prepared to obtain the
optimum and desired dosages of SP and CF for the CFRSCC mix proportions possessing
the targeted filling ability and passing ability.
15 different mixes with varying CF percentages were cast and the variation in the
filling and passing ability of SCC was noted down. Also, the controlled concrete mix
with no addition of CFs was also cast against each mix. Concrete was then cast in the
42 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

moulds and was unmolded after the setting of the specimen. Specimen were then cured in
normal water of the laboratory curing tank and were tested at the stipulated times. The
specimens were cast for the 28th day and 56th day of strength.

3 Results

The focus of this study was primarily on the influence of carbon fibres on the properties
of SCC in the freshly mixed state and the hardened state as well. The properties of
CFRSCC that were examined and investigated during fresh state were its Flowability
(passing ability), filling ability and Segregation resistance. For flowability properties,
Slump test and V-funnel tests were conducted as per the EFNARC 2005 specifications.
Likewise for passing ability, L-box test (EFNARC, 2005) and for segregation resistance
properties, Segregation Visual Stability Index – VSI (Ministry of Transportation, Ontario,
Laboratory Testing Manual test method LS-438) tests were conducted. The tests were
also conducted for reference SCC with zero percent CF so as to tally and investigate the
influence of carbon fibre on SCC. A compressive strength test was performed at the
stipulated times for hardened CFRSCC and control mixtures. Finally, the Microstructure
of the CFRSCC was analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The variations in the properties of CFRSCC were mainly attributed to the W/C ratio
and the percentage of carbon fibres used. The percentage of SP also proved to be a
variable as the percentage of SP demanded by the mix to attain Self-compacting
properties got reduced with varying mix proportions. The properties of CFRSCC both in
a freshly mixed state and hardened state are discussed below.

3.1 Properties of CFRSCC in the fresh state

Table 4 summarises fresh state properties, i.e., filling ability, passing ability, and
resistance to segregation of various CFRSCC and control mixes. As shown in Table 4,
the slump values for the concrete mixtures varied from 398 mm to 682 mm. The slump
test was done in accordance with EFNARC 2005 to determine the filling ability of
CFRSCC. The slump flow range for SCC prescribed by EFNARC (2005) is between
550 mm to 850 mm.

3.1.1 Variation in filling ability properties of CFRSCC

The filling ability tests included Slump flow and V-funnel observations. The variations in
the filling ability properties of all the mixes of CFRSCC are graphically demonstrated in
Figure 3.
The present study investigations portrayed in Figure 3 reveal a decline in the filling
abilities of CFRSCC with the inclusion of CF at higher percentages while as the addition
of low percentage CFs prove to be beneficial in improving the filling abilities of
CFRSCC. It is thus evident that the percentage of carbon fibres to be employed has a
primary influence on the slump value properties of the concrete with all other parameters
being constant.
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 43

Table 4 Fresh properties of different CFRSCC and control mixtures

Slump value L-Box

Mix W/C ratio SP% CF% (mm) V-Funnel (H2/H1) VSI
AC0 0.42 2.0% 0% 631 13 0.82 2
AC0.5 0.42 2% 0.5% 648 11 0.89 1
AC1 0.42 2% 1% 662 12 0.83 0
AC1.5 0.42 2% 1.5% 589 17 0.76 2
AC2 0.42 2% 2% 480 24 0.74 3
BC0 0.40 1.5% 0% 618 12 0.81 2
BC0.5 0.40 1.5% 0.5% 682 09 0.84 0
BC1 0.40 1.5% 1% 631 11 0.82 1
BC1.5 0.40 1.5% 1.5% 543 16 0.76 2
BC2 0.40 1.5% 2% 412 21 0.71 2
CC0 0.38 1.5% 0% 646 11 0.86 2
CC0.5 0.38 1.5% 0.5% 676 10 0.88 0
CC1 0.38 1.5% 1% 619 13 0.82 1
CC1.5 0.38 1.5% 1.5% 523 18 0.77 2
CC2 0.38 1.5% 2% 398 26 0.68 3

Figure 3 Filling ability properties of CFRSCC (see online version for colours)
44 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

As seen in Figure 3, the slump flow value of CFRSCC01 gets increased from 631 mm at
0% CF to 662 mm at 1% CF. At 1.5% CF and 2%CF, a decrease in the slump flow
was observed. An increase of 17 mm (2.6%) and 31 mm (4.7%) is being observed in the
slump flow when 0.5% CF and 1%CF are being added to the Mix CFRSCC01
respectively. At 1.5% CF and 2% CF, a decrease of 42 mm (6.7%) and 151 mm (24%)
in the slump flow is being observed when compared to the normal Reference SCC mix
AC0. At 2% CF, the mix loses its SCC property as the flow observed is much lower than
the SCC flow requirements. The primary increase in the flow is attributed to the addition
of surfactant as a dispersion medium which has the property to mobilise any viscous
material. The further increase is attributed to the proper dispersion of carbon fibres in the
mix. The decrease in the flow is mainly due to the congestion of carbon fibres at higher
content in the mix.
V-funnel observations are concurrent with the Slump flow observations. The time
taken for a CFRSCC gets increased from 13S in Reference mix to 24S in AC02. This
increase is evident in the fact that the addition of carbon fibres at higher content hinders
the free movement of SCC flow as the fibres start restricting the movement of the slurry
responsible for improved flow. At 1% CF, minimum time was taken by SCC to flow
through V-Funnel when compared to other mixes of CFRSCC01 and the maximum time
to flow through the funnel was observed in AC2 (2%CF) indicating more rough and dry
flow.
Likewise in CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03, the increase in the slump flow was
observed with the addition of carbon fibres at lower percentages and less flow
was observed in CFRSCC mixes with higher CF percentages. The maximum increase
in the flow of CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03 was observed with the addition of 0.5% CF.
At 0.5% CF, an increase of 64 mm (9.4%) and 30 mm (4.4%) was observed in the mixes
CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03 respectively when compared to their respective reference
mixes. At 1% CF, an increase of 13 mm (2.06%) and a decrease of 27 mm (4.2%) were
observed in the mixes CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03 when compared to their respective
reference mixes. Likewise at 1.5% CF, a decrease of 75 mm (12.1%) and 123 mm
(19.04%) and at 2% CF, a decrease of 206 mm (33.33%) and 248 mm (38.4%) were
observed when compared to their respective Normal reference mixes. The magnitude of
change in the slump flow observed was not much with the addition of CF at lower
percentages. The magnitude of change surged at higher percentages of CF addition. The
addition of 0.5% CFs resulted in a maximum increase of 9.4%. At 2%CF, the magnitude
of decrease in the flow properties of CFRSCC surged up to a maximum decrease of
38.4%. The surge in the aggravation is due to the accumulation of agglomerated carbon
fibres which is not being able to get dispersed in the CFRSCC mixes thus making
hindrances in the free flow of the concrete slurry.
V-Funnel observations were no different from the observations of slump value.
The flow timings to leave the apparatus kept on surging with the addition of more
and more CF percentages. The time taken for CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03 mixes at
0%CF to leave the apparatus was 13S and 11S which surged up to a maximum
of 21S in CFRSCC02 and 26S in CFRSCC03 at 2%CF. In both the mixes, improvement
in this property was observed at the addition of 0.5%CF when the time taken by the
concrete to flow through apparatus was observed at a minimum of 09S and 10S
respectively.
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 45

3.1.2 Variation in passing ability and segregation properties of CFRSCC

The L-Box test was done in accordance with ERNARC 2005 to test the passing ability
property of the CFRSCC mixes. The Segregation test was done in accordance with
Segregation Index Criteria, Laboratory Testing Manual, LS 438. The test results are
graphically represented in Figure 4.
As seen in Figure 4, the L-box results in all three mixes indicate the loss of passing
ability with the addition of a higher amount of carbon fibres in the self-compacting
concrete. The segregation resistance was directly impacted by the percentage of CFs
employed.
Mix CFRSCC01 illustrated an increase in the passing ability with the addition of
carbon fibres up to 1%. At 1.5% and 2% CFs, the passing ability started aggravating. The
reference mix AC0 was not much resistive to segregation. It was observed that with the
inclusion of the lower percentage CFs, an improvement in the segregation resistance
property was observed. In the AC0.5 mix, increased bleeding was observed with traces of
laitance. The segregation was somewhat reduced but it still existed in the mix. At 1% CF
content, bleeding was reduced and the mix was more homogenous and proper mix was
acquired. The mix did not show any signs of laitance. Further increase in the carbon
fibres made the mix rough and the movement of the concrete particles was restricted due
to interference by carbon fibre threads. This resulted in more segregation, as formations
of more concrete piles were observed at the base plate of slump flow. Plastic shrinkage
was observed in the mix with 0% CF and 0.5%CF which eventually was overcome with
an increase in the CF content.

Figure 4 Passing ability and segregation resistance properties of CFRSCC (see online version
for colours)
46 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

In the Mix CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03, the addition of CF at 0.5% improved the passing
ability and segregation resistance and the addition of 1% CFs and above aggravated these
properties. The addition of 1.5%CF and 2%CFs made the mix lose its self compacting
property as the properties attained did not meet the requirements of flow lead down by
coding agencies and researchers. The plastic shrinkage and bleeding with laitance were
observed in the mixes with 0% CF and 0.5%CF which gradually decreased at 1%CF
content. Further increase in the content of CF resulted in aggravation of segregation
resistance thus resulting in further segregation at higher levels.

3.2 Compressive strength properties of CFRSCC

The compressive strength results of different CFRSCC and control mixes averaged from
triplicate test specimens are summarised in Table 5.

Table 5 Compressive strength results

28th day strength 56th day strength

Mix Batch W/C ratio SP% CF% (MPa) (MPa)
CFRSCC 01 AC0 0.42 2% 0% 17.1 18.2
AC0.5 0.42 2% 0.5% 18.7 19.6
AC1 0.42 2% 1% 20.9 22.5
AC1.5 0.42 2% 1.5% 21.34 24.3
AC2 0.42 2% 2% 18.8 20.6
CFRSCC 02 BC0 0.40 1.5% 0% 23.11 25.3
BC0.5 0.40 1.5% 0.5% 25.13 27.6
BC1 0.40 1.5% 1% 26.9 30.7
BC1.5 0.40 1.5% 1.5% 23.97 26.9
BC2 0.40 1.5% 2% 21.97 24.8
CFRSCC 03 CC0 0.38 1.5% 0% 27.12 29.9
CC0.5 0.38 1.5% 0.5% 28.35 31.3
CC1 0.38 1.5% 1% 32.32 34.6
CC1.5 0.38 1.5% 1.5% 28.74 31.9
CC2 0.38 1.5% 2% 23.8 27.65

It was observed that the impact on the strength properties of CFRSCC depended on the
percentage of CF incorporated in the mix. The influence of CFs on the strength properties
is illustrated graphically in Figures 5–7.
At 28 and 56 days of curing, the Mix CFRSCC01 illustrated an overall improvement
in the strength properties with the addition of carbon fibres when compared to
Normal mix AC0 as seen in Figure 5. The magnitude of increase though depended on the
percentage of CFs employed. The maximum increase of 19.9% and 25.1% in the
28th day and 56th-day strength respectively was observed with the inclusion of 1.5%CF
in AC1.5. At 28 days of curing, an increase of 8.5%, 18.2%, and 9.0% was observed
in the strength properties of AC0.5, AC1, and AC2 respectively when compared to AC0.
An increase of 7.14%, 19.1%, and 11.7% was observed in the 56th-day strength of
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 47

AC0.5, AC1, and AC2 respectively when compared to AC0. The inclusion of 1.5%CF in
this mix acted as a threshold as beyond this percentage, the strength properties did not
tend to increase further.
As seen in Figure 6, in the mix CFRSCC02, the strength properties at the 28th and
56th days of curing are showing an increasing trend up to the addition of 1%CF beyond
which the strength starts aggravating. In mix BC 0.5, an increase of 8% and 8.3% is being
observed when compared to normal batch mix AC0 respectively at 28 and 56 days of
curing. The inclusion of 1% carbon fibres in this mix attributed the maximum increment
of 14.1% and 17.6% in the strength respectively at 28 and 56 days of curing
when compared to BC0. At 1.5% CF, an increase of 3.6% and 5.95% was observed
respectively on the 28th and 56th day of curing when compared to reference mix BC0.
At 2%, a decrease of 4.9% and 10.14% in the 28th and 56th-day strength was observed
when compared to the reference mix. The threshold for the maximum increase in the
strength properties was observed at 1%CF. The higher percentages of carbon fibres in
this mix proved to be fatal for the strength properties.
Likewise in the mix CFRSCC03, the maximum increase in the strength properties
was observed with the inclusion of 1% CFs as seen in Figure 7. On the 28th and 56th day,
an increase of 4.3%, 16.1%, and 5.64% in strength properties was observed respectively
for CC0.5, CC1, and CC1.5, thus maximum at 1%CF. At 2% CF, a decrease of 12.24%
was observed on the 28th day when compared to CC0. Likewise, at 56th day, an increase
of 4.47%, 13.6%, and 6.3% was observed in the strength properties. The inclusion of CFs
at higher percentages proved to be detrimental. At 2%CF, a decrease of 7.5% was
observed in strength when compared to the normal mix.

Figure 5 Compressive strength of mix CFRSCC01 (see online version for colours)
48 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

Figure 6 Compressive strength of mix CFRSCC02 (see online version for colours)

Figure 7 Compressive strength of mix CFRSCC03 (see online version for colours)
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 49

3.3 Micro structure of CFRSCC and fibre distribution

Figures 8–12 represent the microstructure of the inner fracture surface for different
CFRSCC and control mixtures observed using SEM analysis. The SEM exhibited that the
proper distribution and dispersion of carbon fibres have taken place in the SCC mixes
with CFs in the range of 0.5–1.5%.
It has been observed that the carbon fibres show a perfectly non-tangled behaviour
till 1.5%CF in the SCC as seen in Figures 8–12. At 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% CF, no
agglomeration of the fibres can be seen. The fibres Cross over can be visualised in some
instances as seen in Figure 13 but it helps in further strengthening the fibre networks
rather than imparting any negative effects. At 2% CF, the fibres in the SCC show a
tangled posture and the higher percentages of fibre have not been able to de agglomerate
from each other in the desired manner as seen in Figure 12. The optimum distribution of
fibres can be seen between 0.5%CF and 1%CF. No congestion of the fibres can be seen at
these percentages of carbon fibres.

Figure 8 SEM of reference mix with 0% CF

Figure 9 SEM of CFRSCC with 0.5%CF

50 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

Figure 10 SEM of CFRSCC with 1%CF

Figure 11 SEM of CFRSCC with 1.5% CF

Figure 12 SEM of CFRSCC with 2% CF

The failure mechanism of the carbon fibres was also observed from the SEM analysis as
seen in Figures 14–16. Three types of failures could be observed in this study, i.e., tearing
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 51

apart of fibres, breakage of fibres from each other and fibre pullout. The failure
mechanisms are evident to the previous researches that describe the failure of fibres into
breakage and fibre pullout (Park et al., 2015).

Figure 13 Cross over of carbon fibres (see online version for colours)

Figure 14 Carbon fibres breaking apart (see online version for colours)

Figure 15 Carbon fibre pull out

52 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

Figure 16 Tearing of carbon fibre filaments

4 Regression analysis for strength prediction

The Fit-Regression model analysis was performed on the experimental data obtained in
this study for the analytical prediction of compressive strength for CFRSCC mixes. The
Percentage of admixture, w/c ratio and the percentage of carbon fibre acted as primary
variables that influenced the target output compressive strength. Based on these inputs, an
equation using statistical Fit-Regression for the prediction of compressive strength at the
28th day was obtained with a residual value range of ±4. Figure 17 shows the residual
plots for 28th day compressive strength. The residual range was well in the specified
range of ±5. The equation for the prediction thus obtained is as follows:
28th Day Strength = 104.5 – 192.5 W/C – 2.00 SP% – 0.243 CF%

Figure 17 Residual plots for 28th day strength (see online version for colours)
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 53

Figure 18 shows the residual plots for 56th day compressive strength. The residual range
obtained is ±4 which again is well in the specified range of ±5. The Regression equation
for the prediction of compressive strength at 56th day thus obtained is as follows:
56th Day Strength = 113.0 – 200.5 W/C – 4.02 SP% + 0.260 CF%
These regression equations have an accuracy of 96–97% as the residual data ranged not
more than ±4.

Figure 18 Residual plots for 56th day strength (see online version for colours)

Figure 19 Contour plot of slump vs. w/c ratio, CF% (see online version for colours)
54 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

5 Contour plot response surface for slump flow

Figure 19 shows the Contour plot response surface for slump flow with respect to
percentage CF, w/c ratio and Percentage of admixtures used. The contour plot illustrates
the range of w/c ratio and percentage of carbon fibres to be used with varying
percentages of admixtures to obtain the desired value of slump flow for this particular
study. The colour distribution makes it easy to predict the slump flow for particular w/c
ratio, percentage of CF and varying admixtures.

6 Conclusion

In this study, the impact of the varying percentages of CFs on the fresh and hardened
state properties of SCC was observed. It was concluded that the percentage of CFs
incorporated in SCC influences the properties of SCC in both the Bingham and hardened
state. The conclusions made in this study are summarised as follows.
In the fresh state, the optimum percentage of CFs to be incorporated should be in the
range of 0.5–1.5%. The inclusion of CFs in the SCC mixes above 1.5% could result in
getting the mix more dry and rough which would lead to the aggravation of the fresh state
properties of SCC. The CFRSCC depicted a decrease in the flow properties with the
increase in the CF content. The SCC slump flow properties though desired by coding
agencies were not lost up to the addition of 1.5% beyond which the mix lost its SCC
property. Segregation was also reduced with an increase in the carbon fibres but the
addition of a higher amount of carbon fibres aggravated the segregation resistance. The
present findings in the fresh state of CFRSCC are in accordance with the findings of
previous researchers (Md. Safiuddin et al., 2018).
In the hardened state, the inclusion of carbon fibres in the SCC mix with proper
dispersion improved the compressive strength properties. But the inclusion of carbon
fibres beyond a certain percentage proves to be fatal and aggravates the strength
properties. As seen in Figures 5–7, the compressive strength properties were varyingly
influenced by the percentage of carbon fibres. Mix CFRSCC01 depicted an overall
increase of the strength with the inclusion of carbon fibres. The maximum increase of
strength was observed at 1.5%CF in this mix. In the mix CFRSCC02 and CFRSCC03,
the maximum increase in the compressive strength was observed at 1% CF. At 1.5% CF,
the compressive strength did not illustrate a much of an increase and at 2%CF, the
strength observed illustrated a decrease. Thus in the hardened state too, it could be
concluded that the range of CFs to be incorporated in the SCC should be restricted to
1.5%. The variation in the strength properties is in concurrence with the previous studies
by Ahmad and Umar (2018), Chung (2012) and Jena and Patel (2016).
The increase in the strength properties attained is attributed to the property
of the carbon fibres to arrest the generation and development of micro-cracks. The
microfilament threads of carbon fibres hold the concrete particles firmly and bridged the
gaps and the cracks which get developed eventually after placing of concrete. The crack
bridging mechanism as seen in Figure 20 made it possible to minimise the crack
propagation which resulted in better strength properties.
 Effect of short carbon fibres on the fresh state 55

Figure 20 Fibres bridging the micro cracks

The aggravation of strength properties observed at higher percentages of CFs was mainly
due to the accumulation of agglomerated carbon fibres which result in the generation of
more porous concrete as a consequence of enhanced void generation. The percentages of
voids got increased with the higher amounts of carbon fibres which were non-dispersed
and were accumulated in bunches and agglomerated forms.
Microstructural study of the concrete samples made the above statements evident as it
was observed that the higher amount of fibres resulted in the more congested
agglomeration of fibres which resulted in more porous specimens, thus resulting in the
reduction of strength. The failure mechanisms observed in the microstructural analysis
can be concluded to be of three types, i.e., tearing apart of fibres, breakage of fibres from
each other and fibre pullout as confirmed by prior researchers (Md. Safiuddin et al.,
2018).
It was thus concluded that the percentage of carbon fibres to be used in any SCC mix
should not exceed more than 1.5% depending further upon the dispersion mechanism as
the higher amount of CF percentages could adversely affect the fresh state and hardened
state properties of SCC. In the fresh state higher amounts of carbon fibres could restrict
the free movement of SCC mix as the thin threads of carbon fibres tend to restrict the
particle to particle movement in the mix. The higher amount of fibres in the hardened
concrete can result in a more porous structure thus resulting in more capillary movement
which could adversely affect the strength of concrete. The optimum amount of fibres
resulted in arresting the micro-cracks by bridging the gaps and cracks and thus resulting
in enhancing the strength of concrete by not allowing the propagation of microcracks.
It can also be concluded that the addition of carbon fibres up to a certain amount can
enhance the properties of SCC and can particularly be used for decreasing the magnitude
of segregation in the SCC. The use of carbon fibres thus also eliminates the use of VMA
in the SCC which otherwise could not only increase the cost but would also have
interfered in the chemical structural working of SCC thus hampering the properties
adversely.
56 I. Gull and M.A. Tantray

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Websites
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